Here is today's summary of economic development news, a free service of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, representing Alabama's private sector investment in economic development. If you enjoy NewsFlash, thank an
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HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Alabama's robust auto industry has transformed the state economy over the past two decades, as well as communities scattered from the Tennessee Valley to the Gulf Coast.

But perhaps nowhere has the industry's prosperity been more acutely felt than in the lives of the companies' employees who each year build about 1 million cars, nearly twice as many engines and countless parts for customers that span the globe.

"This is a transformational project for north Alabama because of the sheer magnitude of what Mazda and Toyota are combining to do," said
Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield. "This is a major automotive manufacturing facility, manned by 4,000 workers, and serviced by a constellation of suppliers, many of them new and located nearby. The economic impact will be massive and long-lasting. We know this because we have seen it play out before."

The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex is preparing to break ground on a $174 million open-air stadium before the end of the year.

The stadium will be built on four blocks adjacent to the existing complex. The site is bordered by Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard to the south, 12th Avenue North to the north, 22nd Street to the west and 24th Street to the east.

The BJCC Authority, Birmingham, Jefferson County, UAB and corporate partners are funding the stadium construction as well as more than $100 million in renovations to Legacy Arena and other improvements at the BJCC. A 3 percent tax on car leases and rentals in Jefferson County will also go towards the project.